These promotional photos helped Melbourne secure the 1956 Olympics

In 1949, the International Olympic Committee gathered in Rome to decide which city would host the 1956 Summer Olympics.

The locations under consideration included six American cities, as well as Montreal, Mexico City, Buenos Aires — and Melbourne

The Australian city’s nomination was met with some skepticism, particularly because of its location in the Southern Hemisphere — the reversal of seasons meant the games would have to be held during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, when many athletes would typically be resting. Read more…